NZICT Group lays out digital priorities

NZICT Group, which represents IT vendors in the New Zealand market, has released a paper (pdf) on what it calls the "near future digital priorities" for the public and private sectors.

The paper, which was presented to ICT minister Steven Joyce last week, sets the tone for New Zealand’s ICT priorities for the next five years, the group says.

“With the government’s investment in broadband infrastructure as a backdrop, New Zealand has an opportunity to not only create new business and exporting opportunities, but also improve the lifestyle of New Zealanders”, said NZICT CEO Brett O’Riley.

O’Riley says the paper discusses how New Zealand can "move ahead as a digitally capable nation that can compete on a global scale".

Education is key, along with innovation, productivity, R&D and improved infrastructure and networks, he says.

NZICT chair Geoff Lawrie says that the paper caps off what has been a very worthwhile beginning to the life of NZICT, which was formed late last year. O'Riley was appointed the organisation's first CEO in March.

NZICT offers 10 near-term recommendations:

First, it says NZICT and the government should create a digital future master plan by the end of 2010 to realise the potential of the digital economy in the near future (five years) and to demystify broadband issues and opportunities for the public.

Second, the government should introduces an “Annual Statement of ICT Priorities” in order to provide a clear direction to the ICT industry on policy priorities and spend areas, and to stimulate ICT based innovation and productivity.

NZICT will establish a panel of industry experts to provide advice to government on large-scale ICT projects and priorities.

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